บท 105: Chapter 105
"My shop doesn't just sell specialty drinks," Xia Zhi began, "but it also offers another unique service."
"Massage?"
"That's correct. More specifically, blind massage. I've even obtained a special operations license for it. However, because the rainbow fruit juice has been so overwhelmingly popular, I haven't had the time or energy to offer this service regularly."
"I see..."
"If you don't mind, Miss Ganyu, I'd like to offer you a free session. It should help alleviate your physical fatigue."
"I... I don't mind. I've just never tried something like this before..."
"Don't worry, Miss Ganyu. The massage will only involve normal areas, like your arms and back. I won't overstep any boundaries."
"I believe you, Mr. Xia. You don't seem like that kind of person. Then, I'll trouble you."
Xia Zhi smiled lightly. "Massage is actually very relaxing. There's no need to feel nervous, Miss Ganyu. You'll understand once you try it."
Blushing slightly, Ganyu nodded. "Okay."
Though she wasn't particularly interested in whether it would feel good or not, she didn't want to reject his kind gesture.
---
Xia Zhi stood up and went to the doorway of the rear hall, partially obscured by a curtain. He called out toward the kitchen, "Zhu Zi, is the water ready?"
"Boss, it's ready!"
Turning back, Xia Zhi said, "Miss Ganyu, the hot water is prepared. Please take a bath first."
"Huh? Mr. Xia, wasn't this about a massage?"
"The massage will be more effective after a bath."
"I see!"
"Do you have clean clothes with you? Or do you need to borrow a set from Zhu Zi?"
"No need, no need. I brought some."
"Good. Please go ahead and bathe, and I'll prepare the things I'll need for the massage. Once you're done, come to the rear hall to find me."
"Alright."
---
Ganyu stood and headed to the back of the shop.
"Miss Ganyu, the small room over there is the bathroom. The hot water is in the pot."
"Thank you, Miss Zhu Zi, for boiling the water."
"No problem."
Watching Ganyu effortlessly lift a full bucket of hot water with one hand and carry it into the bathroom, Zhu Zi couldn't help but stick her tongue out in amazement.
Wow, adepti disciples really are naturally strong.
---
In the bathroom, Ganyu removed the gold bell from her collar and gave it a gentle shake. A faint ripple of spatial energy spread, and a set of clean, plain-colored sleepwear appeared in her hands.
This was the storage ability that Ping Grandma had once taught her.
She placed the bell and the sleepwear on a wooden shelf, removed her clothes, and began bathing.
Warm water cascaded over her, washing away the dust and fatigue accumulated from days of travel.
When she stepped out of the bathroom, Ganyu felt entirely refreshed.
---
"Miss Ganyu, you're done with your bath… Wow, you look stunning!"
With steam still lingering around her and the soft light of the lamps casting a faint glow, Ganyu's long blue hair draped over her shoulders. The plain sleepwear accentuated her snow-white skin and graceful figure, making her look like a lotus blooming fresh from the water.
Zhu Zi stared at her, momentarily dazed. Adepti disciples really are naturally beautiful.
"Thank you," Ganyu said softly, flashing Zhu Zi a gentle smile before heading to the rear hall.
---
The rear hall was warmly lit by a four-sided lamp, its orange light creating a cozy atmosphere. A fragrant aroma wafted from an incense burner on the table, adding to the tranquility.
Hearing her footsteps, Xia Zhi looked up and "saw" her. He was momentarily taken aback.
"Miss Ganyu, you're done with your bath?"
"Yes."
"Please lie down here."
"Alright."
---
Xia Zhi walked over and began by gently pressing on her shoulders, noticing some tension in her body.
"Miss Ganyu, relax a little."
"Okay…"
"Let's chat to pass the time. Where were we in our conversation earlier?"
"Uh… Mr. Xia's… hobbies…"
"Speaking of hobbies, I actually have many. Even though I can't read books anymore, there are plenty of other things I enjoy."
"Mmm… like cooking?"
"Exactly—cooking, listening to opera, alchemy…"
"Mmm… Mr. Xia… knows alchemy?"
"A little. How do you like the scent of the incense?"
"Mmm… it's lovely… very calming…"
"I made it myself."
"Wow… Mr. Xia, you're amazing…"
"Just something I threw together. This afternoon, the three of us went to Heyu Teahouse. We were hoping to listen to Yun Jin's opera, but unfortunately, it didn't work out."
"Mmm… Yun Jin…"
"Do you know Yun Jin, Miss Ganyu?"
"Yes… her parents… were quite renowned…"
"It seems like you know a lot of people, Miss Ganyu."
"Mm… I've been in Liyue for… a very, very long time…"
Ganyu's face was now completely flushed, and her voice came in broken, soft murmurs. Her golden progress bar steadily climbed upward.
Xia Zhi leaned closer and noticed a faint, fresh scent emanating from her—like delicate flowers and sweet grass.
"Decades?"
"Mm… longer…"
"Centuries?"
"Mm… even longer…"
"That long?"
Xia Zhi was surprised. For someone who had lived among humans for so many centuries, Ganyu should have fully integrated into Liyue's way of life, much like Ping. Yet, she still carried an air of detachment from the mortal world.
Could it be…
Perhaps she had spent these centuries buried in work, rarely socializing or engaging with others. This might also be related to her Qilin heritage.
He recalled an excerpt from Records of Jueyun:
"[They drink only dew and eat only blessed crops. They tread carefully, avoiding traps and snares. They do not harm living plants or insects and prefer solitude over crowds. In peace, they act gracefully; in action, they exude dignity.]"
If Ganyu inherited the Qilin's vegetarian habits, she likely also inherited its reclusive nature, preferring solitude and finding it hard to blend into human society.
Still, her centuries-long role as the secretary to the Qixing demonstrated her exceptional dedication and competence.
Yet it seemed odd that the Qixing would replace her without any proper communication, leaving her to assume she was no longer needed.
---
"Miss Ganyu, earlier you mentioned that you came to believe the Qixing wanted you to leave after returning to find your duties already reassigned?"
"Mm…"
"This 'assumption' of yours—was it entirely your own?"
"Mm…"
"You didn't ask the people who took over your responsibilities for clarification?"
"Mm… no… I didn't think I needed to…"
"Miss Ganyu, is it possible," Xia Zhi suggested gently, "that your work was so important that the Qixing had to appoint temporary replacements while you were away delivering letters?"
"…"
Ganyu's dazed eyes reflected the flickering lamplight as she fell silent, seemingly lost in thought.
---
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